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Motion · S5M-19205 · 1 Oct 2019

Day of the Imprisoned Writer

Lodged by Ruth Maguire Members' Business Motion 24 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament recognises 15 November as the Day of the Imprisoned Writer, a day to stand in solidarity with writers across the globe who have been persecuted, exiled, imprisoned and killed for expressing themselves; notes with grave concern the continued decline in free expression across the globe, as documented by organisations such as PEN International, Amnesty International, the Committee to Protect Journalists, ARTICLE 19 and Reporters without Borders; acknowledges what it sees as global efforts by state and non-state actors to attack and silence writers and journalists; recognises the impact of censorship on writers that restricts the free exchange of ideas and the unhampered transmission of thought; notes the importance of protecting the right to free expression for all, irrespective of background or identity; notes how a climate of impunity threatens both global free expression and trust in systems of justice; notes calls for governments around the world to guarantee justice for murdered, persecuted and imprisoned writers; supports initiatives to secure adequate protections for persecuted and imprisoned writers; commemorates writers who have been killed for exercising their right to freedom of expression, and finally, notes calls for the Day of the Imprisoned Writer to be officially recognised by the Parliament.

Supporters (24)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.